Daniel Peterson, long a conservative political activist, has jettisoned the GOP and joined ranks with Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, a fellow Mormon, to lead the fight for more comprehensive gun control legislation. Specifically Peterson will labor in Utah, (where he is a professor at The BYU) in an effort to bring some semblance of sanity to Utah’s current gun culture. When pressed for a comment, Peterson replied: “‘Interpret’ it how you want–but after Mitt’s dismal showing last year and the GOP’s future prospects, I’ve decided to lead a new and more positive, constructive life.” There have apparently also been discussions of Peterson leaving the newly formed Interpreter A Journal of Mormon Scripture–an online Mormon Apologetic publication–to take a position as the social media editor for Dialogue, a Journal of Mormon Thought. Neither Peterson, or Kristine Haglund (Dialogue’s current Editor–and shoe fashion guru) could be reached for further comment.

In keeping with a Christmas tradition, I again post The Wall Street Journal’svenerable Christmas Eve Editorial, written by the late Vermont Royster. May we rejoice in the hope of a brighter future of greater freedom and light for all people made possible by the Birth of the literal Son of God:(more…)

Time again for the Semi Annual Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints–Mormon General Conference. LDS Media Talk has a great post with several links on how best to enjoy this year’s October Conference. There are also several Blogernacle Links where you can follow conference: Of course there is the By Common Consent Threads–i.e., The One and Only True General Conference Thread (psst–don’t tell them, but they think they’re the only ‘nacle link out there for General Conference). Chris H over at FPR has an open thread, mingling the philosophies of men, with conference (and being the social justice guru I know him to be, it will also include the philosophies of women as well). M* also has an open thread. If you Tweet, the follow #ldsconf for pithy 140 character summaries. Should be a great 5 sessions. Come listen to Prophets, Seers and Revelators–messengers of the Lord Jesus Christ, and mold your life accordingly . . .

Lots of noise today from the political right. Lots of discussion about “restoring honor to America” and “getting back to God.” On this I can agree with those who so proclaim from the nation’s capitol, today. The path, however, lies through keeping the commandments, and not adhering to the philosophies of men. America has strayed from Her primary purpose as the Cradle of the Restoration, but not through any political sins–so called. Rather, Her people like many before have strayed from the Commandments of God, and no longer worship Jesus Christ. This is where America’s fundamental problem lies.

The solution is rather simple–but most, likely will not see it because of the simplicity. If we truly want to restore honor to America and get back to God, we should begin to keep His Commandments and we will prosper in the land. The best way to do that is to follow the Brethren, not Beck. We will restore much more honor to America and get much closer to God by reading more of the Scriptures, praying more to God, serving others, than by all the breast beating and pontificating from Washington D.C. Choose you this day . . .